When it comes to unique places to stay in Tennessee, there are ample options from midcentury modern hotels in Pigeon Forge to reimagined motor inns near the Smoky Mountains National Park. Here are three great boutique properties to book right now.
The Memphian, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Located in the heart of lively Overton Square in Memphis, this pet-friendly boutique hotel—revamped by Dryden Architecture+Design (of The Noelle in Nashville) and Glennys Cowles Bryant of GCD Design—features 106 rooms appointed in calming pink and gray tones, two onsite restaurants, and a fitness center.
For aerial views of the theater district and late-night astrology-inspired cocktails such as a blood orange mezcal negroni with Campari, fresh blood orange, and lime, head upstairs to the chic rooftop bar, Tiger and Peacock. It’s adorned with a cheeky ceramic giraffe-gone-chandelier, tufted velvet banquettes, and a hand-painted zodiac ceiling by local artist Jeniffer Church.
Rocky Waters Motor Inn
Following a major revitalization, the lauded family-owned motor inn is reopening this winter with a wink to the nearby surroundings. Situated in eastern Tennessee’s Gaitlinburg and just a five-minute drive to the Smoky Mountains National Park, the refreshed inn is poised along the idyllic Cliff Branch Creek.
Here, the extensive list of activities ranges from rock climbing and fly fishing to relaxing with a good book by the fireplace.
The Wayback, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Featuring a Palm Springs-like vibe in downtown Pigeon Forge, this reconceived hotel is reminiscent of a retro roadside motel. It features midcentury-inspired rooms with Malin+Goetz amenities; a fitness center; an outdoor pool, private cabanas, and swim club with a vintage Airstream bar; and an on-site restaurant, Paloma.
“The Wayback is a destination in and of itself, created for those seeking an amplified vacation experience featuring a taste of nostalgia full of captivating local color and character with all the modern amenities that create a carefree atmosphere,” says Aatmos CEO Mahavir Patel. “Inspired by the retro roadside motels and midcentury modern architecture of Palm Springs desert paradise, The Wayback surrounds guests with bold, bright colors, funky artwork and a vibrant poolside scene. The hotel defines itself as an oasis of originality amidst the lively energy of downtown Pigeon Forge.”
Off-site, don’t miss the town’s local attractions and oddities from The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, replete with 20,000 sets of shakers from around the globe, to the Smoky Mountain Cat House, a small abode filled with a plethora of cat toys and accessories.
